The Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer due to exposure to ionizing radiation or rocket fuel fumes was denied as the evidence did not support a causal link between his condition and active duty service.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not establish that the Veteran’s colon cancer was caused by exposure to ionizing radiation during service, given the lack of documented exposure and the low dose estimate provided. The claim for service connection based on rocket fuel fumes also failed due to insufficient documentation.
- Claimed conditions
- colon cancer
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 25, 2021
- Citation
- 21010823
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 21010823.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the cause of death and its relation to service. The Veteran's atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and colon cancer are being evaluated for their relationship to toxic exposure during service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service connection for colon cancer and liver cancer is granted due to the relationship between his in-service toxic exposures, including burn pits. His liver cancer was found to be related to his now service-connected colon cancer.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer, finding that his current diagnosis of colon cancer is related to toxic exposures in service and resolving any reasonable doubt in his favor.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for colon cancer, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current diagnosis and his military service, including any conceded exposure to toxic substances.
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